Old is gold- this adage is proven true in the oldest of the Hawaiian Islands- Kaua’i. This stunningly scenic island certainly has enjoyed million years’ advantage unlike its younger cousins. The natural elements of water and wind had their play in carving the most astounding cliffs with pleats cloaked in the deep rich velvet of green. With the beautiful beaches that are typical of the archipelago and spectacular coral reefs, it is no wonder Kaua’i has proven to be an irresistible destination for nature lovers.

History

This botanical utopia has a rich history befitting its age. It is famed as the first landing point of Captain Cook, and this sole unconquered island is also where the establishment of sandalwood and sugar industries were first rooted. Kaua’i distinctive regions- Lihue, East Side, West Side, South Shore and North Shore each offer individual characters with unique attractions and beautiful attractions.

Lihue

Lihue is the island’s administrative quarters with the commercial and government centres. Its origins as a plantation village is also the reason for this region’s multi-cultural heritage. The oceanfront region still has variety of attractions among its commercial buildings. These interesting places include the Kaua’i Museum where the island’s history is revealed through traditional artifacts and dioramas. A must visit sight in Lihue has to be the awe-inspiring Wailua Falls, the cottony white twin cascades that leap off the sheer ledge.

Around the island

The East Side, also known as the Coconut Coast, is home to Fern Grotto. This large cave set among lush foliage is a popular wedding venue. Other scenic attractions in this populous district is the Opaekaa, one of the major waterfalls in Kaua’i that is also the most accessible, the popular Kapa’a town. The West Side’s historic sights and magnificent Waimea Canyon and mesmerizing views from the Koke’e State Park, make up the scenic landscape in this region.

The South Shore is where the Old Koloa Town, a quaint and picturesque village that leads to the beautiful Poipu Beach. Travelling through the Koloa Heritage Trail take visitors through some of the most important and fascinating cultural, historical sites of the region. The North Shore’s attractions are the ultimate manifestations of the island’s enchanting beauty. While the majestic Na Pali Coast can easily overshadow the other attractions, it is worthwhile to visit the charming Hanalei Town where stretches of taro field are refreshing sight. There is exciting whale-watching at the Kilauea Point, part of which is also set aside for wildlife sanctuary.

With stunning beauty and magnificent sights at just about every corner of Kaua’i, this island is a wonder of nature.

Maui is the second largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago but much less populous than its neighbours. Once the thriving home and port for whaling and sugar mill industries, it had attracted settlers from various part of the world- especially from Asia and South America, which has led to a cultural melting pot. From a bustling port and plantation island, Maui now boasts a varied landscape from farmlands, eroded volcanic craters, lush vegetation and still remains the winter home for humpback whales.

Maui’s regions

Maui has five distinct regions- Central Maui, West Maui, East Maui, South Maui and Upcountry Maui, each uniquely scenic with its own rich history. Central Valley, in Central Maui, is the isthmus of two converging volcanoes which eventually led to the formation of Maui. This valley is also the home to majority of the islanders. Wailuku is the Central Valley town where the largest Maui collections of Hawaiian artifacts are housed in Bailey House Museum. Not to be missed in this valley is the Iao Valley State Park- iconic for its historical significance and the spectacular landmark- Iao Needle, towering at 1200 feet high. This state park also offers excellent hiking trails among the most lush greenery at times masked by willowy clouds.

Moving from nestled Central Valley, which is actually at the foot of West Maui, where the thriving historic town Lahaina, the original capital of the Hawaiian Islands, is located. The former harbor town, once called Lele, is now home to numerous tourist attractions of historic significance. These places include the western-style Baldwin Home with original period furnishings, Pioneer Inn, the oldest hotel and favorite landmark in town, and several others along the town’s historic trail.

Nature and Landscape

East Maui is home to most unique landscape of the Haleakala National Park and the languishing town of Hana, which the destination of a spectacular scenic drive along the top eastern coast. The challenging drive, filled with narrow twists and turns, is an endless visual treat of velvety tropical vegetation, stunning waterfalls, and perfect for swimming, pools and myriad of fascinating seascapes. The varied terrain in Haleakala National Park, where Maui’s highest point is located, includes barren cinder desert to alpine shrub, and the volcanic summit depression. The hiking trails are certainly one of its kind, with vistas at varying altitudes and landscapes.

South Maui is where some of the best beaches can be found, at the entire stretch of the southern coast. Whale watching, surfing, scuba diving and kayaking are perfect for the leeward coast of the southern region. Upcountry Maui, is a fascinating countryside with rolling hills and home to ranches and small upcountry farms.

Maui offers some delightful drive trails to explore its fascinating facets of nature and history that leaves one awe-inspired by the magnificent sights.

Formed as part of dual adjacent volcanoes that are not longer active, Moloka’i was once attached to the second largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago, Maui. The other appendages to Maui were Moloka’i’s so-called twin island, Lanai and Kaho’olawe. The peak of eastern Moloka’i is covered with thick rainforest and the northern shore is bordered by the highest and steepest sea cliffs in the world, and paving way for expansive green valleys. Once bare of inhabitants, it was only with the popularity of beach tourists, settlers soon made home in this idyllic island. Still continuing to be less populated than the other tourist magnet islands, accommodations in Moloka’i are usually located in the west end of the island.

Scenic nature

The most scenic spot in Moloka’i is the home of the earliest Polynesian settlers, the Halawa Valley with dense rich foliage and breathtaking waterfalls. Close to the original settlement, there are ruins of ancient temples known as heiau. There are guided tours and trek trails along the meandering trails passing rivers, streams and dirt roads surrounded by the lush vegetation. While avid trekkers will want to join the guided hikes, which are the only access to the vast valley, drive down the eastern coast of Moloka’i, passing ancient sites, quaint churches and sparsely populated villages will also bring travelers to the valley as the destination for the drive.

Other popular hiking trails are at the Kamakou Rain Forest, one of the most unspoiled tracts in Hawaii, Kalaupapa Trail at Kalaupau National Historical Park which is now a memorial, among others. While there are some stretches of pristine beach, Moloka’i’s true beauty lies among the lush greenery in the valleys and rainforests.